Blairgowrie is one of the largest towns in Perthshire, sitting to the north of the city of Perth on the banks of the River Ericht. By the end of the 18th century, the Blairgowrie area was a huge centre for growing flax with 12 spinning mills in operation. Blairgowrie is now the focus of the Perthshire soft fruit growing industry (especially raspberries), and is the gateway to Glenshee which caters for year-round sports including skiing, golfing, mountain biking, abseiling, hang gliding and paragliding. Close by, the village of Meikleour boasts the Meikleour Beech Hedge which was planted in 1746 and is officially recognised as the tallest hedge in the world.

The Cateran Trail begins in Blairgowrie along the banks of the River Ericht. An easy going route over footpaths and open field tracks with few steep climbs before descending into the tiny hamlet of Bridge of Cally. From Bridge of Cally, (almost the mid-point) the trail follows the River Ardle and Blackcraig Forest past castle ruins and on into Kirkmichael

Continuing along the River Ardle the trail leads across open moorland to Enochdhu and on through Calamanach Wood into open ground through the Lairig Gate (viewpoint) and descending to Spittal of Glenshee with magnificent scenery all round. As there is no accommodation in Spittal of Glenshee, we will arrange for your transfer to Alyth or Kirkmichael to spend 3 nights in the same accommodation. You will then transfer back to Spittal of Glenshee the following morning.

Return by taxi transfer to Spittal of Glenshee. The early section of this part of the trail is over course moorland and paths alongside Shee Water to Dalnagar Castle before turning east towards Forter Castle under impressive Mount Blair. (There is an alternative to this part of the route by turning east earlier at the Compass Christian Centre and setting out for Loch Beanie before walking through Glen Beanie.) Both trails merge before Auchintaple Loch and continue past Loch Shandra to end at Kirkton of Glenisla. As there is no accommodation in Glenisla, we will arrange for your transfer to Alyth or Kirkmichael to spend 3 nights in the same accommodation. You will then transfer back to Glenisla the following morning.

Leaving Glenisla the trail winds through forest and quiet farmland paths above the River Isla, encountering small farms and livestock at close hand. Cross the Hill of Alyth with views over the lovely Perth countryside before descending into the small market town.

Depart Alyth by walking on moorland paths before giving way quiet minor roads beside the Burn of Alyth. Continue west over farmland and cattle grids to rise to almost 300m and view the distant Bridge of Cally. The walk ends by re-tracing the trail on the first section into Blairgowrie.

Congratulations – you have completed the Cateran Trail! After breakfast, it is time to set off on your onward journey.